Best Cheap AC Routers 2019

The WiFi technology has so far evolved to keep up with the pace of technology improvement. Gone are the days we thought the best we could have are the 2.GHz band.

Today with many ac router brands flooding the market offering virtually the same things with an additional remarkable experience that sets them apart, settling for any is not an easy decision. It is even more onerous if you are considering a budget-friendly one ― below $200

We have compiled a review of some of the best cheap high performing ac routers for you

ASUS AC3200 Tri-Band Gigabit

For the lovers of elegant design, the ASUS AC3200 may look bulky but that is how the manufacturer intended it to be. The cheap ac router is built for function and performs fantastically when used for multimedia streaming.

Features

Tri-Band frequencies (4GHz and two 5GHz)

Six Antennas

AiProtection

AiCloud

4 Ethernet ports and 1 internal port

0 and 3.0 USB port

Pros

Supports dual WAN

Can function as a VPN server

Malware protection

Budget-friendly

Strong Wi-Fi signal

Cons

Design is bulky

NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S AC2600

The NETGEAR Nighthawk has an impressive throughput which does not come at the expense WiFi range speed. This is partially due to its dual-band technology. The only deal breaker you may observe is its four ports because most brands have more.

Features

Two USB 3.0 ports and eSATA

7GHz dual-core processor

Four antennas

4GHz and 5GHz radio frequencies

Parental controls

4 LAN ports and 1 WAN port

ReadySHARE

Pros

Fantastic throughput and Wi-Fi coverage

No bottlenecks

Genie Interface

Robust throughput

Large storage

Cons

Might be complex to operate

ASUS AC2900

The ASUS AC2900 WiFi Dual-band three antennas and superb 8GHz dual-core processor ensures you do not lack any speed when it comes to connectivity even on cable. It is also compatible with third-party firmware like AsusWRT offering you good security.

Features

Dual frequency bands

Three antennas

Four LAN ports

8GHz dual-core processor

Multiple inputs and outputs technology

NitroQAM technology

AiRadar

Pros

Awesome cable speed

AsusWRT firmware

Four-stream 5GHz band

Dual-core processor

Online protection

Cons

Mounting options can be better

TP-Link AC2300

The TP-Link A2300 Router can be described as a nonpartisan Wireless WiFi. Every connected user gets the same strength of signals with no prejudice of who connected first or last. Plus, it is also has a great range.

Features

Dual radio frequencies (600 and 1625Mbps)

8GHz dual-core CPU

Four LAN ports and One WAN port

Three adjustable external antennas

0 and 2.0 USB ports

Beamforming and RangeBoost

Pros

Compatible with Alexa

Wide coverage

Easy to operate

Cons

No VPN server

Synology RT2600ac 4×4

This cheap ac router is worth checking out if you are in the market for WiFi that will seamlessly serve you and your large family. The management tools give owners control over everything you use it for such as data sharing.

Features

Beamforming technology

Dual WAN

7GHz dual-core processor and 512MB RAM

Four antennas

Multiple inputs and output technology

VPN server

Smart connect technology

Pros

Great web interface

Wide coverage

External storage slot

Can act as cloud server

Cons

Mobile app features can be improved

Linksys WRT AC1900

The Linksys WRT AC1900 presents an outstanding speed and can be connected to a second router for a heavenly experience. One of the things that might be discouraging about the router is its external antennas but the manufacturer compensated for this by making it more durable.

Features

6GHz dual-core processor and 512 RAM

A gigabit WAN port and 4 Ethernet ports

One USB 3.0 port and USB 2.0

Four antennas

Linksys smart app

Dual frequency bands

Open source firmware

Beamforming technology

Pros

eSATA port

Durable antennas

Firmware

Great performance on wireless and cable

Cons

May overheat

NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900

Are you already a user of Netgear router and wish to upgrade? Then consider checking out this model. The throughput is outstanding at 5GHz band and can be easily set up using your Android or iOS gadget.

Features

1GHz dual-core processor

Beamforming technology

Three antennas and one amplifier

One USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports

Four LAN ports

Dual bands

Pros

Power packed VPN

Works with Alexa and Google Assistant

Easy to install

Great throughput

Cons

4GHz frequency is low

TP-LINK AC3200 Archer C3200

The design of the TP-Link AC3200 might not be fascinating but it compensates for this with its astounding features and affordable price. The Broadcom’s XStream technology offers an additional %GHz radio band that allows a separate connection for visitors.

Features

Tri-Band technology

Smart Connect

6 antennas

Beamforming technology

1GHz dual-core processor

2 years warranty

Pros

Parental Controls

Guest network

Easy and simple to install

Cons

Poor design

NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900

The NETGEAR Nighthawk offers a nice design, unlike most traditional designed router. This nicely designed router does not stop at its beauty, it also comes packed with high speed and impressive performance that will give the highly priced routers a run for their money.

Features

Four ETHERNET ports

One WAN port

One USB 2.0 port and USB 3.0 port

1GHz dual-core processor and 256MB RAM

Beamforming technology

Pros

Compatible with Alexa

Great coverage

High speed

ReadyShare

Open VPN

Cons

Connections might be repeatedly lost

Tenda AC18 AC1900

The Tenda AC1900 is an upgrade of its predecessor Tender AC15. You can worry less about the cheap ac router getting overheated because the manufacturer factored that into its design. There is a cut out at the top and the bottom side is perforated too. But the antennas are unremovable.

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